Severe thunderstorms are possible in the Chicago and surrounding Illinois area Friday afternoon into the evening, according to the National Weather Service. | Graphic via NWS

The National Weather Service says a severe weather system bringing storms and damaging winds, along with a threat of tornadoes, is expected Friday in the Chicagoland area.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a hazardous weather outlook for Lake, McHenry, Boone, Winnebago, Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, Ogle, Lee, DeKalb, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Kankakee, Livingston, Iroquois and Ford counties.

A “robust early spring storm system” will track across the Midwest and into the Great Lakes region on Friday.

The NWS said confidence continues to increase that the storm system will result in severe thunderstorms across the region in advance of an approaching cold front Friday afternoon and evening.

“An all hazards severe threat exists, including tornados. The entire region continues to reside in this threat area,” the weather agency said.

The greatest threat area is favored across eastern Iowa into northwestern Illinois.

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A period of strong westerly winds in excess of 50 mph is likely Friday evening into Saturday morning following a cold frontal passage, the NWS said.

The strongest winds are favored to be south of Interstate 80.

The winds will be capable of downing tree limbs and causing power outages.

The timing of the severe weather is expected between 3-11 p.m. Friday. Rain-wrapped tornadoes are possible, the NWS added.

Forecasters said they recommend residents have multiple ways to get weather warnings.